Questions to Ask When Choosing a Mortgage Broker
As with all professional services, the level of service will vary and therefore, it’s important that you ask some very specific questions when deciding which mortgage adviser to use.
How to Carry Out a Virtual Property Viewing
Whilst a physical, in-person viewing is going to be necessary at some point, a virtual viewing can be very useful in the early stages and can save you a lot of wasted time.
What is Peppercorn Rent? | Ground Rent and Maintenance Charges in the UK
Many properties are sold leasehold and subject to a ‘peppercorn rent’. This is effectively a notional rent that isn’t demanded or paid. It is purely a legal requirement of any contract.
How to Get a Mortgage with a Low Credit Score
If you feel you may have bad credit, you should obtain a copy of your credit report which will show all your credit, good and bad.
New Help to Buy Scheme Launched
First-time buyers that wish to buy a new-build home will be able to apply for an Equity Loan from the government for up to 20% of the home’s value.
Top Tips on Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
With energy prices likely to rise in the long term, it makes sense to consider how you can make your home more efficient.
What is a Second Charge Mortgage?
A second mortgage, as the name suggests, is a second loan that is also secured on a property.
What is a TA6 Property Information Form?
The TA6 Property Information Form is a form designed to aid the seller in giving important information on the property being sold, to the buyer.
What is a TA10 Fittings and Contents Form?
A TA10 form is one of several forms a seller must complete during the conveyancing process. The TA10 sets out, in detail, what is or is not included in the sale of the property.
What Happens to Mortgage with Negative Interest Rates?
Here we look at what might happen to mortgages if the Bank of England take the unprecedented step of reducing mortgage rates below zero!
What’s So Important About the Bank of England’s Base Rate?
There are largely two main factors that drive interest rates in the UK mortgage market. They are The Bank of England’s Base Rate and LIBOR.
Lease Extension Fees - Don't Get Caught Out
Flats, in particular, are usually owned leasehold because in very simple terms, to own the freehold of a property is basically to own the land below and the air above and, in the case of a flat, clearly this isn’t possible.
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) Explained
SMI or Support for Mortgage Interest is a loan paid by the government to help you pay all or part of the mortgage interest during times when you are unable to do so.
Can I Get a Mortgage on a Zero Hour Contract?
Whilst a Zero Hours Contract is a more precarious type of employment and does make obtaining a competitive mortgage offer more difficult, it is possible.
The Governments New First Homes Scheme Explained
The Government's New First Homes Scheme is aimed at first-time buyers, key workers and veterans looking to buy a new-build home.
Documents Needed When Selling Your Property
It’s easy to assume that once you’ve agreed to sell your home, it’s just a matter of your solicitor or conveyancer ‘doing the legal stuff’ and that’s that. Unfortunately, your job is still only partly done.
How to Speed Up Your Buy to Let Mortgage Application
The process of obtaining a buy to let loan usually takes between 4 - 6 weeks, although, as with all purchases, there are a variety of steps to the process which will delay or even stall the process.
Can a British Expat Get a Mortgage in the UK?
The benefits for expats retaining property in the UK whilst working abroad can be significant. Especially if you expect to return at some time in the future.
Help to Buy Mortgage Deadline Extended
There is some good news for those keen to use the government’s existing Help to Buy scheme which is due to be replaced by a more restrictive scheme in April 2021.
Can I Remortgage While Furloughed?
Each mortgage lender seems to be approaching this issue in a different manner. Some lenders are taking each case on its own merits.
Recent posts
First Time Buyer to do List
4 Oct 2024
Buying your first home is very exciting but it can also be very daunting which is why we have set out a “to do list” to help you get started.
Bank of England Holds Base Rate at 5%
20 Sep 2024
With UK inflation remaining at 2.2% which is slightly above the Bank of England’s 2% target, the decision was made on Thursday 19th September to keep the base rate at 5%.
Virgin Money and Hive Energy introduce new "green" mortgage product called Retrofit Boost Mortgage with the aim to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their home by offering cashback between £3,000 and £15,000
According to recent findings by LV= where 4,000 UK adults were surveyed, mortgage holders said that were likely to consider equity release to free up some money to take care of expenditures in later life.
A mortgage market rate war
9 Aug 2024
Following the recent decision by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee to cut the base rate from 5.25% to 5% (the first reduction seen in over four years), we have seen lots of lenders reducing their rates to remain competitive.
August in Bloom: Gardening Tips
7 Aug 2024
Steps for decluttering your home
6 Aug 2024
Did you know that removing clutter within your home can reduce stress, help you be more productive, and improve your mood and self-esteem? Check out our steps to get you started.
61% UK homeowners are looking at equity release
22 Jul 2024
The Equity Release Council has revealed that three in five UK homeowners are interested in releasing money from their property later in life.
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